OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Qiling Decoction (QD) combined highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) on expression levels of peripheral blood Th17 and Treg cells in HIV/AIDS patients.

METHODSTotally 55 HIV/AIDS patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group (28 cases) and the combination group (27 cases). Besides, 21 HIV negative patients were recruited as the healthy control group. Those in the treatment group received HARRT alone, while those in the combination group received HAART combined QD. The observation lasted for 24 weeks. Meanwhile, according to peripheral blood CD4+ T cell counts before treatment, HIV/AIDS patients were assigned to three subgroups. For patients in subgroup 1, 1 cells/microL < CD4+ T cell counts < or = 100 cells/microL; For patients in subgroup 2, 101 cells/microL < CD4+ T cell counts < or = 200 cells/lL; For patients in subgroup 3, 201 cells/microL < CD4+ T cell counts < or = 350 cells/microL. Expression of peripheral blood Th17 and Treg cells, and number of CD4+ T cell counts were detected using flow cytometry (FCM)in HIV/AIDS patients at the pre-treatment baseline, week 4, 12, and 24, as well as those in the healthy control group.

RESULTSCompared with the healthy control group, CD4+ T cell counts and the baseline expression level of Th17 cells in the peripheral blood of HIV/AIDS patients significantly decreased, the expression level of Treg cells significantly increased P < 0.01). Compared with before treatment in the same group, CD4+ T cell counts all increased at week 4, 12, and 24 in the two treatment groups, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in the effective rate at various CD4+ T cell levels between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in expression levels of Th17 and Treg cells between the combination group and the treatment group at any time point (all P >0.05). The Th17/Treg ration significantly increased in the combination group after 24 weeks of treatment, showing statistical difference when compared with the treatment group (U = 2.135, P = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONQD could improve the immune balance of Th17/Treg cells, which might be one of its mechanisms for improving HIV/AIDS patients' immunity.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Adult ; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active ; CD4 Lymphocyte Count ; Case-Control Studies ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; HIV Infections ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; cytology ; Th17 Cells ; cytology

A novel Aspergillus terreus strain M11 was isolated from the compost containing cellulose and identified. The isolate grow best at 45℃ and pH2.0. It was found that the activity of the CMCase was up to 3.680IU/mL with high heat stability and the optimal reaction conditions of the CMCase were at 60℃ and pH2.0.

Objectivc To investigate the protective effect of simvastatin on retinal ganglion cells (RGC) after optic nerve crush (ONC).Methods Together 50 Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal group,sham group,ONC group and simvastatin protection group.The mice in the normal group were untreated,the sham group was treated with the exposure of the optic nerve without injury,the ONC group mice underwent ONC operation on the left eyes,followed by intravitreal administration of equilibrium solvent [50 mg · mL-1 ethanol plus 1 mol · L-1 NaOH,which were activated by 1 mol · L-1 HC1 (pH 7.2)],and the simvastatin protection group was intravitreally injected different concentrations of simvastatin (0.5 g · L-1,1.0 g · L-1,1.5 g · L-1) after ONC operation.Brn3a immunofluorescence staining,HE staining and toluidine blue staining were used to detect the apoptosis of RGC and pathological changes of optic nerve.Results On day 7 after operation,in the ONC group,the apoptosis of RGC was observed obviously,with the survival rate dropping to (35.1 ± 3.9) ％,and the thickness from the retinal ganglion cell layer to outer nuclear layer was decreased from (123.13 ± 1.04) μm to (97.48 ± 2.33) μm,which was significantly thinner than that in the control group (P ＜ 0.01);moreover,the fibrous bundle of optic nerve disappeared,and the neuroglial cells were clustered into groups,as well as the axons showed swelling and serious degeneration,but after intravitreal injection of 1.0 g · L-1 simvastatin,the survival rate of retinal ganglion cells increased to (76.3 ± 3.7) ％ (P ＜ 0.05),and the aforementioned thickness was increased to (111.39 ± 4.06) μm,which was statistically significant when compared with the ONC group (P ＜ 0.01).The degeneration of optic nerve was improved,and the structure of neuroglial cell axons and the nerve fibers became normal.Conclusion Simvastatin can reduce the optic nerve degeneration and improve the survival rote of retinal ganglion cells.

Objective To solve the danger and difficulty in transferring seriously injured victims. Methods The operating principle, construction design, electronic control system and software program flowchart of a robot transfer arm for victim-transfer were introduced.Results and Conclusion The victim didn not have to change their body posture during transfer. The procedure is very simple.A push at only one key is enough,without secondary injury.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of esophagocutaneous fistula in anterior cervical spine surgery.

METHODSThirteen cases with esophagocutaneous fistula in anterior cervical spine surgery were studied.

RESULTSThe causes includes: (1) During the operation, esophagus was oppressed by a clasp for so long time that made a pressure necrosis of the esophagus; (2) Esophagus was injured by loose plates and screws; (3) Loose bone grafts oppressed esophagus; (4) Esophagus was injured by operative appliance in the operation; (5) Esophagus was oppressed by the plate.

DIAGNOSISAfter anterior cervical spine surgery if patients had a high fever, sore throat, swelling incision, and food sediment was found in the incision, esophagocutaneous fistula should be considered. The final diagnosis could be done by esophageal radiography.

TREATMENTFasting cure, nasogastric tube and wound drainage should be used; When the inflammation ended, patients should undergo operation of closure of the esophageal fistula.

CONCLUSIONSThe esophagocutaneous fistula in anterior cervical spine surgery has several causes mentioned above. We should take precautionary measures to avoid the complication, and use appropriate treatment to cure when it happens.

Adult ; Cervical Vertebrae ; surgery ; Cutaneous Fistula ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Esophageal Fistula ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo find out the optimal approach to decompress externally the severe injured brain and to avoid possible complications caused by external decompression.

METHODS68 patients who underwent external decompression after traumatic brain injury were admitted into Tianjin Medical University General Hospital for cranioplasty from 1995 to 2001. Complications were retrospectively investigated and analyzed in all patients. The findings were compared between the patients who accepted the decompressive craniectomy in our hospital and in local hospitals. chi(2)-test was employed for statistical analysis and complication evaluation.

RESULTSLarge craniectomy definitely caused some side effects to patients. Among various complications, several of them showed significantly high incidence (P<0.05) in patients who underwent the decompressive operation in local hospitals such as shunt-dependent hydrocephalous, subdural fluid collection, and CSF leakage from scalp incision. The rest of the complications had no remarkable difference (P<0.05) between the two groups including dilation or/and migration of lateral ventricle underlying the cranial defect, skin flap concavity, encephalomalacia of the decompressive area, seizure and infection.

CONCLUSIONSTo reduce the incidence of iatrogenic side effects, surgical craniectomy should be performed according to the strict indication and standard and any abuse should be avoided.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Craniocerebral Trauma ; surgery ; Craniotomy ; adverse effects ; standards ; Decompression, Surgical ; adverse effects ; standards ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; epidemiology ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo determine the relationship between maternal and neonatal vitamin D status and related factors.

METHODSerum 25-(OH)D levels were measured by ELISA in 499 pregnant women at 30 - 37 weeks gestation and in cord blood of their infants born at term (37 - 42 wk gestation) in Southeastern China at 28.9°N latitude. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to explore maternal and neonatal vitamin D levels by season. Pearson linear and linear regression of partial correlation was used to analyze the relationship between maternal and neonatal 25-(OH) D levels. The multiple factors related to maternal vitamin D status was assessed by binary logistic regression.

RESULTThe levels of serum 25-(OH)D were (33.0 ± 13.4) nmol/L in mothers and (31.0 ± 12.5) nmol/L in their newborns. Serum 25-(OH)D < 50 nmol/L was shown in 88.8% of mothers and 91.2% of their neonates. Both maternal and neonatal 25-(OH)D levels varied with season (Ps = 0.000). Vitamin D level was the lowest in spring, with the 25-(OH)D concentration < 50 nmol/L in 98.6% of mothers and 99.3% of their neonates. The highest vitamin D level was presented in fall, but there were still 64.0% of mothers and 75.0% of neonates with 25-(OH)D < 50 nmol/L. Except for season, calcium-vitamin D supplement and intake of egg ≥ 600 g per week during pregnancy benefited to improve maternal vitamin D level [25-(OH)D ≥ 50 nmol/L] [OR = 2.3 (95%CI:1.0, 5.3), 3.4 (95%CI:1.2, 9.9) respectively]. There was a positive correlation between maternal and neonatal 25-(OH)D measures in the sample as a whole (r = 0.45, P = 0.000, N = 499), the correlation was of no statistical significance when maternal serum 25-(OH)D was ≤ 25 nmol/L.

CONCLUSIONHypovitaminosis D was common in late pregnant mothers and their newborns in southeastern China, especially in spring. Vitamin D supplement and intake of vitamin D-rich food were beneficial to improvement of maternal vitamin D level. There was a moderate and positive correlation between maternal and neonatal 25-(OH)D concentrations in this population. The correlation was lost when maternal serum 25-(OH)D ≤ 25 nmol/L.

Adult ; Calcium ; blood ; Dietary Supplements ; Female ; Fetal Blood ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; blood ; Male ; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; Nutritional Status ; Pregnancy ; blood ; Pregnancy Complications ; blood ; prevention & control ; Pregnancy Trimester, Third ; Regression Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Seasons ; Sunlight ; Vitamin D ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; blood ; Vitamin D Deficiency ; blood ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND:The treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is thought to restore antegrade blood flow in the infarct-related artery (IRA) and minimize ischemic damage to the myocardium as soon as possible. The present study aimed to identify possible clinical predictors for no-reflow in patients with AMI after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS:A total of 312 consecutive patients with AMI who had been treated from January 2008 to December 2010 at the Cardiology Department of East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine were enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria were:(i) patients underwent successfully primary PCI within 12 hours after the appearance of symptoms; or (ii) patients with ischemic chest pain for more than 12 hours after a successful primary PCI within 24 hours after appearance of symptoms. Exculsion criteria were:(i) coronary artery spasm; (ii) diameter stenosis of the culprit lesion was ≤50％ and coronary blood flow was normal; (iii) patients with severe left main coronary or multivessel disease, who had to require emergency revascularization. According to thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI), the patients were divided into a reflow group and a no-reflow group. The clinical data, angiography findings and surgical data were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine the predictors for no-reflow. RESULTS:Fifty-four (17.3％) of the patients developed NR phenomenon after primary PCI. Univariate analysis showed that age, time from onset to reperfusion, systolic blood pressure (SBP) on admission, Killip class of myocardial infarction, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use before primary PCI, TIMI flow grade before primary PCI, type of occlusion, thrombus burden on baseline angiography, target lesion length, reference luminal diameter and method of reperfusion were correlated with no-reflow (P<0.05 for all). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified that age >65 years [OR=1.470, 95％ confidence interval (CI) 1.460–1.490,P=0.007], long time from onset to reperfusion >6 hours (OR=1.270, 95％CI 1.160–1.400,P=0.001), low SBP on admission <100 mmHg (OR=1.910, 95％CI 1.018–3.896,P=0.004), IABP use before PCI (OR= 1.949, 95％CI 1.168–3.253, P=0.011), low (≤1) TIMI flow grade before primary PCI (OR=1.100, 95％CI 1.080–1.250,P<0.001), high thrombus burden (OR=1.600, 95％CI 1.470–2.760,P=0.030), and long target lesion (OR=1.948, 95％CI 1.908–1.990,P=0.019) on angiography were independent predictors of no-reflow. CONCLUSION:The occurrence of no-reflow after primary PCI for acute myocardial infarction can predict clinical, angiographic and procedural features.

Objective To evaluate the role of cerebral state index(CSI),burst suppression (BS)and electromyograph(EMG)in monitoring coma/consciousness depth and damage degree of brain. Methods CSM was done in 50 cases with brain injury and coma to analyze its relation with physical reflection,auditory evoked potential(AEP),Glasgow coma score(GCS)and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS).Results As scale range meaning from consciousness to deep coma and to brain death,CSI 0- 100 was positively correlated with coma depth,coma score of GCS and physical reflection.CSI changes under invariable ache stimulation in combination with BS and EMG can accurately estimate prognosis and quantify changes of brain function.Conclusions The quantifiable digit of coma/consciousness depth and damage degree in brain function by CSM can attain real time judgment of dynamic evolvement course of coma and objective guide clinical therapy and assure prognosis,as will change absolutely scoring coma/ consciousness depth and prognosis under current state of artificial diversity and lacking objective evi- dences.

Objective: The neuropeptide oxytocin has been found to improve human social cognition and promote prosocial behavior. However, itis still unclear about the mechanisms underlying these effects of oxytocin on neural processes, such as visual perception and awareness.Especially, it is still unclear whether oxytocin influences perceptual salience of social stimuli in the absence of awareness. Methods: In a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial we applied an interocular suppression paradigm and eye tracking methods: to investigate the influence of intranasally administered oxytocin on perceptual salience of social stimuli. Suppression times andpupillometric data were measured during subjects being presented with gradually introduced pictures of social stimuli (neutral expressionfaces) or nonsocial stimuli (grayscale watch pictures) that were suppressed and invisible in 10 men who were administered 24 IU oxytocinand 10 men who were administered a placebo. Results: The results demonstrated that the oxytocin group perceived social stimuli more quickly accompanied by subsequent larger increasingpupil diameter than nonsocial stimuli, indicating an increased unconscious salience of social stimuli. Conclusion These findings provided new insights into oxytocin’s modulatory role to social information processing, suggesting that oxytocinmight enhance attentional bias to social stimuli even after removal of awareness. Psychiatry Investig 2020;17(4):292-298